Injury could end Klose's record hunt
A back injury could rob Miroslav Klose of a chance to challenge Ronaldo's all-time World Cup scoring record if it keeps him out of Germany's third-place play-off against Uruguay.
Klose is just one goal short of Ronaldo's tally of 15 World Cup strikes, and his opportunity to enter the record books by at least equalling that record on Saturday would add some welcome historical interest to the World Cup's kick-about match.
Klose has scored four goals in South Africa after nabbing ten in the previous two tournaments. But Germany assistant coach Hansi Flick revealed Klose suffered an injury during the semi-final loss against Spain and is in serious doubt for the Uruguay match.
At 32, this is likely to be Klose's last World Cup, so his absence would almost certainly end his chance of catching Brazil World Cup-winner Ronaldo.
Flick said: "Klose has problems with his back. He was hurt in an aerial duel, and we are hoping that he will be okay for the match."
Flick also said Sami Khedira and Philipp Lahm were troubled by minor knocks, but Lahm confirmed he should be ready for the match.